OK so I'm single, late 20s, and Poverty rate is 4.5%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 21,419 people. Homes are going for about $606,100 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What would you do? Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
12 upvotes
9 Replies
Savannah
I've lived in East for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- The community vibe scene is average
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Riley Wright
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
35 upvotes
sdchef2020
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 51, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Westside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from LA, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
29 upvotes
Levi Anderson
wish I knew this sooner
28 upvotes
Alexa Gonzalez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 13 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Theodore Rodriguez
I've lived in Sunset for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
- The dating scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Ruby M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 6 years. Moved from LA for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Limited entertainment options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Willow N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 36, moved here 15 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Minneapolis, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.